After an illustrious 12-year spell at Liverpool, Jordan Henderson finds himself at a career crossroads. The revered Liverpool captain is currently considering an enticing offer from Al-Ettifaq, a Saudi Arabian club helmed by his former teammate Steven Gerrard. Initially resistant to the idea of leaving Anfield and relocating his family to the Middle East, the 33-year-old is now seriously contemplating a two-year contract that promises to double his current weekly wage of £200,000. Furthermore, the proposal includes an intriguing option for a potential third year.
While Liverpool has yet to receive a formal bid from Al-Ettifaq, insiders suggest that one may materialize imminently, perhaps within days, given Henderson’s receptiveness to this unexpected transfer. Crucially, the midfielder is expected to engage in discussions with Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp in the coming week to gauge his prospects of securing regular playing time in the forthcoming season. The outcome of these talks could significantly sway Henderson’s decision, as he deliberates the next chapter of his storied career.
Throughout the previous season, Henderson made 43 appearances for Liverpool, emerging as a cornerstone figure both on and off the pitch under Klopp’s guidance. However, the club has recently suffered key departures, including former vice-captain James Milner, who joined Brighton, as well as Naby Keïta and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who left on free transfers. To compound matters, Liverpool’s midfield has become increasingly competitive with the arrivals of Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai, commanding fees of £35 million and £60 million, respectively. Currently boasting nine midfielders at his disposal, Klopp’s options have been further bolstered by Trent Alexander-Arnold’s successful transition to a hybrid midfield role toward the end of the previous season, as well as the impressive development of Curtis Jones and Stefan Bajcetic.
Henderson is not the sole Liverpool midfielder attracting interest from the Saudi Pro League. Thiago Alcântara has also found himself on the radar of potential suitors. Meanwhile, Klopp maintains an interest in Southampton’s 19-year-old defensive midfielder, Roméo Lavia, who is valued at £50 million by his relegation-stricken club.
In addition to the footballing considerations, Henderson must also weigh the potential ramifications of a move to Saudi Arabia on his international career with England. The midfielder played a pivotal role under Gareth Southgate during the 2022 World Cup and is understandably hesitant to jeopardize his place in the national team ahead of the highly anticipated European Championships in Germany next summer